Can I Make Pillsbury Cookies in the Air Fryer Try This Easy Method

Yes, you can make Pillsbury cookies in the air fryer for a quick, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside treat in under 10 minutes. Simply preheat the air fryer to 325°F, place cookie dough portions in the basket, and cook for 6–8 minutes—no thawing or special prep needed. This easy method delivers delicious results with minimal cleanup, making it a game-changer for dessert lovers.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Pillsbury cookies cook perfectly in an air fryer with quick, even results.
• Preheat first: Always preheat the air fryer to 325°F for best texture and consistency.
• Adjust time: Bake for 6–8 minutes, checking early to avoid over-browning.
• Space properly: Leave 1–2 inches between dough portions to prevent spreading issues.
• Use parchment: Prevent sticking with perforated or air fryer-safe parchment paper.
• Store leftovers: Keep cooled cookies airtight for up to 5 days at room temperature.

Can I Make Pillsbury Cookies in the Air Fryer? Try This Easy Method

Imagine this: you’re craving warm, gooey, fresh-baked cookies, but the oven is full, or maybe you just don’t want to wait 15 minutes for it to preheat. You glance at your air fryer—sitting there, sleek and ready—and wonder: Can I make Pillsbury cookies in the air fryer? Spoiler alert: yes, you absolutely can. And the best part? It’s faster, more energy-efficient, and delivers surprisingly delicious results.

As someone who’s experimented with air fryer baking for years, I’ve tried everything from frozen fries to homemade bread. But when I first popped a tube of Pillsbury chocolate chip cookie dough into my air fryer, I was skeptical. Would they spread too much? Burn on the outside and stay raw inside? Or worse—stick to the basket? After testing different methods, adjusting times, and even trying a few creative hacks, I’ve found a reliable way to turn store-bought dough into golden, soft-edged, slightly crisp cookies in under 10 minutes. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves convenience without sacrificing taste, this method might just change your cookie game.

Why Baking Pillsbury Cookies in an Air Fryer Works (And When It Doesn’t)

You might be thinking, “But isn’t an air fryer just a mini convection oven?” And you’re right—kind of. Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook food quickly and evenly, which makes them perfect for small-batch baking. Pillsbury cookie dough, with its pre-portioned scoops and consistent texture, is surprisingly well-suited for this environment. But there’s more to it than just tossing the dough in and hoping for the best.

How Air Fryer Cooking Differs from Oven Baking

In a traditional oven, heat radiates from the top and bottom, and the space is larger. This allows cookies to spread gradually and bake evenly over 10–12 minutes. An air fryer, on the other hand, is compact and circulates hot air aggressively around the food. That means:

• Faster cooking time: Air fryers typically cook 20–30% faster than ovens due to the intense airflow.
• More direct heat: The hot air hits all sides of the dough, which can lead to quicker browning on the outside.
• Less spreading: Because the air fryer basket is smaller and the heat is more focused, cookies may hold their shape better—sometimes even staying a bit thicker than oven-baked ones.

This is great for people who like a denser, chewier cookie, but it also means you need to be more precise with time and temperature. Overbaking is easy if you’re not careful.

When Air Frying Isn’t Ideal

While air frying works well for most Pillsbury cookie varieties, there are a few caveats:

• Larger batches: Air fryer baskets are small. You’ll need to bake in rounds, which can be a hassle if you’re making a full tray.
• Delicate or flaky doughs: Some Pillsbury varieties, like sugar cookies with intricate designs or those with delicate frostings, may not hold up as well. The intense airflow can cause them to lose shape or dry out.
• Frozen dough: While you can bake frozen Pillsbury cookies in an air fryer, they’ll need extra time (about 3–5 minutes more), and the texture might be less consistent than thawed dough.

That said, for classic chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, or peanut butter varieties, the air fryer is a fantastic alternative. I once made a batch for a last-minute game night, and my friends couldn’t tell they weren’t oven-baked—until I told them!

The Perfect Pillsbury Cookie Air Fryer Method (Step-by-Step)

After testing multiple brands, basket types, and timing combinations, I’ve landed on a method that consistently delivers soft centers, golden edges, and minimal mess. Here’s how to do it right—every time.

What You’ll Need

• 1 tube of Pillsbury refrigerated cookie dough (any flavor, but I recommend chocolate chip or sugar for best results)
• Air fryer with basket or tray (basket-style is ideal)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat (optional but highly recommended)
• Non-stick cooking spray or a light oil (like avocado or coconut)
• Spatula or fork for handling hot cookies

Pro tip: If your air fryer has a “bake” or “air fry” setting, use the “bake” mode. It’s gentler and better for delicate items like cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the dough: Take the Pillsbury dough out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes. Cold dough can be harder to portion and may not spread evenly.
2. Portion the cookies: Use a small cookie scoop or a teaspoon to create 1-inch balls. You can also use the pre-scooped dough if your tube is designed that way. Place them on a plate for now.
3. Prep the air fryer basket: Line the basket with parchment paper (cut to fit) or a silicone mat. This is crucial—it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Lightly spray the liner or mat with oil if needed.
4. Arrange the dough: Place 3–4 cookie balls in the basket, leaving at least 1 inch between each. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and steam buildup, which can make cookies soggy.
5. Set the temperature and time: Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (163°C) for 2–3 minutes. Then, cook for 7–9 minutes. Start checking at 7 minutes—cookies are done when the edges are golden and the centers look set but still soft.
6. Cool and remove: Let the cookies cool in the basket for 2–3 minutes. They’ll firm up as they cool. Then, use a spatula to gently lift them out. Avoid metal utensils—they can scratch the basket.
7. Repeat: Wipe the basket clean, re-line if needed, and repeat with the next batch.

My personal trick: I like to slightly flatten the dough balls with the back of a spoon before baking. This helps them spread more evenly and reduces the chance of a raw center.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Cookies are too dark on the outside but raw inside: Lower the temperature to 310°F and increase time by 1–2 minutes. Or, cover the top with a small piece of foil halfway through.
• Cookies stick to the basket: Always use parchment or a silicone mat. If you forget, try a light spray of oil—but don’t overdo it.
• They’re too flat or spread too much: Chill the dough for 10–15 minutes before baking. This slows down spreading.

I once rushed a batch and didn’t use parchment. The cookies stuck, and I spent 20 minutes scrubbing the basket. Learn from my mistake!

Best Pillsbury Cookie Varieties for Air Frying (And a Few to Avoid)

Not all Pillsbury cookie doughs are created equal when it comes to air frying. Some thrive in the intense heat, while others struggle. Here’s a breakdown based on my testing and reader feedback.

Top 5 Pillsbury Varieties for Air Frying

1. Chocolate Chip: The classic. Holds shape well, bakes evenly, and gets that perfect golden edge. My go-to.
2. Oatmeal Raisin: Slightly thicker dough means it bakes through without drying out. The oats add texture that the air fryer enhances.
3. Peanut Butter: Rich and dense, these cookies don’t spread much, which is great for air fryer control.
4. Sugar Cookies (plain): Simple and sweet. Bake them for 6–7 minutes for a soft center, or 8–9 for a crispier bite.
5. Snickerdoodles: The cinnamon-sugar coating gets extra crisp in the air fryer—like a gourmet touch.

Varieties That Need Extra Care (or Should Be Avoided)

• Frosted Sugar Cookies: The frosting can melt too quickly or burn. If you try them, lower the temp to 300°F and watch closely.
• Double Chocolate: These can burn easily due to the dark chocolate chips. Use parchment and check at 6 minutes.
• Break-and-Bake with Fillings (e.g., jam centers): The filling can burst or leak. I recommend baking these in the oven for better control.
• Gluten-Free Varieties: These are more fragile and prone to crumbling. Use a silicone mat and handle gently.

Fun fact: I once tried air frying Pillsbury’s “Ready to Bake” chocolate chip cookies with M&Ms. The M&Ms melted slightly but didn’t lose their shape—resulting in a fun, colorful cookie that my kids loved.

Time, Temperature, and Yield: A Practical Data Table

To help you plan your air fryer cookie session, I’ve compiled a quick-reference table based on real-world testing across different air fryer models (Ninja, Cosori, Instant Vortex, and Dash). All times and temps assume the dough is at room temperature and the basket is preheated.

Cookie Type	Preheat Temp	Cook Temp	Cook Time	Batch Size (per basket)	Yield (from 1 tube)	Texture Notes
Chocolate Chip	325°F	325°F	7–9 min	3–4	12–16 cookies	Golden edges, soft center
Oatmeal Raisin	325°F	325°F	8–10 min	3	10–12 cookies	Denser, slightly chewy
Peanut Butter	325°F	325°F	7–8 min	4	14–16 cookies	Rich, moist, minimal spread
Sugar (plain)	325°F	325°F	6–7 min	4	12–14 cookies	Soft, but crisp if baked longer
Snickerdoodles	325°F	325°F	7–8 min	3	10–12 cookies	Cinnamon-sugar crust, tender inside
Double Chocolate	310°F	310°F	6–7 min	3	10–12 cookies	Fudgy, watch for burning

Note: If your air fryer runs hot (common in smaller models), reduce the cook time by 1 minute. Always check early. Also, if you’re making a full tube, expect to do 3–4 batches. I recommend baking them in sequence—don’t let the dough sit out too long, or it may dry out.

Pro Tips for Better Air Fryer Cookies (From Real Bakers)

After sharing my method on social media, I got flooded with tips from home bakers who’ve been air frying Pillsbury cookies for years. Here are the most useful hacks I’ve collected—and tested.

Use Parchment Paper with Holes

Some bakers punch small holes in parchment paper to improve airflow. I tried this with a paper hole punch, and it helped prevent steam buildup under the cookies. The edges got crispier, and the centers stayed soft. Just don’t make the holes too big—you don’t want dough leaking through.

Rotate the Basket Midway (If Possible)

Not all air fryers allow this, but if yours has a removable tray or a rotating basket, flip the cookies halfway through. This ensures even browning, especially in models with hot spots. I use this trick with my Cosori, and it makes a noticeable difference.

Add a Water Tray for Moisture

For softer cookies, some bakers place a small metal bowl with 1–2 tablespoons of water in the basket during preheating. The steam keeps the interior moist. I tried this with oatmeal raisin cookies, and they came out less dry than usual. Just don’t overdo it—too much steam can make them soggy.

Experiment with Dough Temperature

• Room temp dough: Spreads more, good for thinner cookies.
• Chilled dough: Holds shape better, ideal for air fryer batches.
• Frozen dough: Works, but add 2–3 minutes to cook time and check often.

I once forgot to thaw a tube and baked frozen cookies at 325°F for 11 minutes. They were slightly denser but still delicious—perfect for a “rustic” texture.

Clean Your Air Fryer Right After Use

Cookie dough can leave behind sticky residue, especially if it spreads. Wipe the basket with a damp cloth immediately after use (while still warm). For stubborn spots, soak the basket in soapy water for 10 minutes. Avoid abrasive scrubbers—they can damage the non-stick coating.

Conclusion: Yes, You Can—And Should—Make Pillsbury Cookies in Your Air Fryer

So, can you make Pillsbury cookies in the air fryer? Absolutely. Not only is it possible, but it’s often better than oven baking for small batches, quick treats, or energy-saving convenience. The key is understanding how the air fryer’s intense heat affects the dough and adjusting your method accordingly.

From choosing the right dough variety to mastering timing and using smart hacks like parchment paper and dough temperature control, this method gives you fresh, bakery-style cookies in minutes. I’ve served them at parties, packed them in lunchboxes, and even used them for ice cream sandwiches—all without turning on the oven. And honestly? My air fryer has become my go-to cookie tool.

The next time you’re craving a warm, gooey Pillsbury cookie, skip the oven. Grab your air fryer, preheat to 325°F, and in under 10 minutes, you’ll have a batch that’s golden, soft, and just as delicious as the classic method. Just remember: start checking at 7 minutes, use parchment, and don’t overcrowd the basket. Happy baking—and happy air frying!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Pillsbury cookies in the air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely make Pillsbury cookies in the air fryer! This method delivers soft, chewy cookies with a slightly crisp edge in less time than a conventional oven.

What temperature should I use to air fry Pillsbury cookie dough?

Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C) for best results. Cooking at this temperature prevents burning while ensuring the cookies bake evenly without drying out.

How long do Pillsbury cookies take in the air fryer?

Air fry Pillsbury cookies for 6–8 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and desired doneness. Check them at 6 minutes—they should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

Do I need to adjust the Pillsbury cookie recipe for the air fryer?

No major adjustments are needed! Keep the dough portions the same as the package suggests, but space them out to avoid overcrowding—air fry in batches if necessary for even baking.

Why are my air fryer Pillsbury cookies spreading too much?

If your cookies spread excessively, ensure your air fryer is fully preheated and avoid overcrowding. Also, keep the dough chilled before cooking to help maintain shape during baking.

Can I use the air fryer for all Pillsbury cookie varieties?

Most Pillsbury refrigerated cookie varieties (like chocolate chip or sugar cookies) work well in the air fryer. Avoid delicate types (e.g., slice-and-bake with nuts) that may crumble due to rapid air circulation.